The Santa Monica Bike Path

If you like being outdoors as much as we do, we have the perfect suggestion for a lovely weekend workout that won’t break the bank. With Daylight Savings time in full effect, it’s time to take advantage of these long hours we are afforded with a bike ride (or run/stroll) down Santa Monica’s beach path. You can rent a bike at one of the many vendors along the beach (our favorite is Perry’s Beach Cafe and Rental Shop) or bring your own, and ride as far as you would like! We love to start at the Santa Monica pier and work our way down south to Redondo Beach (approx 33 miles round-trip), but you can also head North if you are looking for a shorter, but still beautiful ride. Bikes are available to rent by the hour or at a flat rate for the day, and you can choose between a traditional beach cruiser, a road bike, or even a tandem! We suggest bringing a backpack with water, sunscreen and snacks so you can make the most of your long ride. For those of you wondering how to navigate around the Marina once you hit the “end” of the bike path at Washington Blvd, follow these instructions: When you come to Washington Blvd. take a left and bike up the street with the ocean to your back. Look for Mildred Avenue (it’s a light) and make a right there to continue on the bike path. You should be able to follow the path, and the corresponding markings on the ground, all the way around the Marina to Fiji Way. Make a right on Fiji and continue to ride on the street (no official path here) and pass the row of restaurants and shops until you dead-end into the bike path again. Follow the path till you hit the water and make a right. You will see a bridge up ahead that will take you over the water into Playa Del Rey. At that point, you can follow the bike path all the way until it ends in Redondo Beach. FYI…the following are approximate distances from the Santa Monica pier for your reference: Marina Del Rey-3 miles; Playa Del Rey-6.5 miles; Manhattan Beach-13 miles; Hermosa Beach-14.5 miles; Redondo Beach-16.5 miles.

Be advised that while you can use a credit card to reserve a bike (and a lock if you wish) for the day, you will need to pay in cash when you return the rental. Don’t forget to hit up the ATM!

Wear a ton of sunscreen. You don’t often realize just how powerful the sun can be when you’re riding along that path on your bike. It may feel cool or even chilly, but don’t forget to cover up with SPF!

Julie says:

This is one of my all-time favorite things to do in Los Angeles. You really appreciate living in such a wonderful place once you take a day to bike on the path. I prefer going cruiser-style, in flip flops, and making it more of a leisurely pedal than a hard-core workout. Don’t get me wrong…there are still a few minor hills to contend with, and your legs will be tired no matter what distance you choose. I recommend making a day of it and stopping mid-way in Manhattan Beach for a healthy lunch!